Travel Vaccines and Advice for Russia
Russia offers diverse terrains, rich, well-preserved history and an extraordinary uniqueness. It is, without a doubt, one of the most remarkable in the world.
The country’s size and contrasting climates have helped brand it as a ‘traveller’s dream’. Russia has accommodations and adventures fit for everyone and anyone.
Whether you’re an architecture fan looking to stroll along the cobblestone streets of the Red Square or a traditional explorer hopping a train Siberia, Russia has some of the world’s best food, people and the most magnificent views.
Do I Need Vaccines for Russia?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Russia. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Russia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Japanese Encephalitis –
Mosquito –
Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. May be given to short- and extended-stay travellers, recurrent travellers and travel to rural areas. Cases reported in Far Eastern maritime areas south of Khabarovsk, usually July to September. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for certain travellers based on destination, activities and length of stay. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Russia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquito | Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. May be given to short- and extended-stay travellers, recurrent travellers and travel to rural areas. Cases reported in Far Eastern maritime areas south of Khabarovsk, usually July to September. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for certain travellers based on destination, activities and length of stay. |
Routine Vaccinations for Russia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Mosquito-borne diseases are less common in Russia than many other countries. This is due, at least in part, to the climate of many of the region. But, Japanese encephalitis is still a threat in some areas. Consult with a travel health specialist to learn if you’ll need this vaccine.
Tuberculosis is a large burden on Russia’s population. While risk to travellers is low, consider a two-step skin test or tuberculosis blood test after your trip if you believe you may have been exposed.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
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Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Russia?
All Canadian citizens require either a business Telex, standard business/ work, or tourism visa to enter Russia. If you have dual citizenship, you still must travel to Russia with Russian documents regardless of other citizenships. Single entry telex visas can be received in 6 business days while all other visas can take anywhere from 6 – 14 business days.
Russia Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Russia? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
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| Tourist Visa | |
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| Business Visa | |
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| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Russia and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Russian immigration policy can be difficult to navigate and violations could lead to expulsion from the country. Let Passport Health help you travel worry-free with our expert Passport and Visa Services.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in Russia?
Russia offers some of the most diverse landscapes and climate conditions of any country in the world. This, in part, is because of the country’s size. Research temperatures and conditions based where you will be going.
- Moscow – The capital city has cold winters and mild summers. From June through August, temperatures are usually around 21 degrees Celsius. From November through February, they can drop below -10 and even -17 degrees.
- St. Petersburg – July is the hottest month in St. Petersburg with highs around 15 degrees Celsius. January is the coldest month, with temperatures falling below freezing for the high.
- Siberia – One of the more popular destinations in Russia, Siberia offers a wide range of climates. The province hosts famously cold winters and warm, tropical summers. The first snow typically falls in early October. Rains are common throughout spring and early summer.
The most mild temperatures are along the Baltic Coast. The most varied temperatures occur in the Northern and Central regions of Russia.
How Safe is Russia?
According the Canadian Travel and Tourism, terrorism remains a very real threat in Russia and throughout most of Europe. It is important to exercise caution throughout the country.
Political unrest is still a raging issue throughout many parts of Russia. Incidents have been reported of American travellers being kidnapped for ransom. Travellers must exercise caution while visiting the country.
Avoid travel to hot spots like Chechnya and the Chrimea as active hostilities are still ongoing and risks are high.
Popular tourist destinations like St. Petersburg and Moscow are safer to visit. But, petty and other crime is common. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid wearing anything that could make you a target.
Russia’s political climate is less open than many Western nations. Be careful what you say and where you say it to avoid confrontation.
Dargavs Village: City of the Dead
Dargavs is located in the republic of North Ossetia in southern Russia. It lies in the middle of a mountain valley which stretches over 15 kilometres.
Hidden in the Caucasus mountains, the city is actually an ancient necropolis. Former residents buried their loved ones in this site.
Though the exact reason residents buried their family beneath the site remains unknown. The cryptic city continues to inspire myths and legends to this day.
The mysterious, abandoned area has been a muse for some of the world’s greatest poets and storytellers.
This region of southern Russia has been the site of some violent clashes in recent years. Take extra precautions if visiting this site.
What Should I Take to Russia?
As a leading global economy, Russia has many of the comforts travellers expect. But, there are still a few key items to make sure are in your bag.
- Money Belt – If you’re planning on visiting popular tourist attractions in places like Moscow or St. Petersburg, have a secure way to carry your money. These areas are typically crowded and pickpocketing is a common occurrence. Be prepared and aware of your surroundings.
- Power Converter – Russia does not use the same power connectors or voltage as North America. Bring a converter if you’re planning on using any non-European electronics.
- Copy of Passport and Visa – It is best to carry a copy of both of these items with you at all times within Russia to avoid any issues with officials. While rare, situations have been known to occur.
- Sim Card – Travellers should consider purchasing a local sim card. The phone chip is useful should you make any international calls and will help to keep roaming charges down. Not all phones can accept these chips. Purchasing a local phone is a sometimes inexpensive option.
Canadian Embassy in Russia
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in Russia, the information for the Canadian Embassy is:
Canadian Embassy in Moscow
23 Starokonyushenny Pereulok
Moscow 119002 Russia
(near the Stary Arbat street, Metro: Kropotkinskaya)
Tel.: + 7 (495) 925-6000
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start travelling safely today!
On This Page:
What Vaccines Do I Need for Russia?
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Russia?
What is the Climate Like in Russia?
How Safe is Russia?
Dargavs Village: City of the Dead
What Should I Take to Russia?
Canadian Embassy in Russia
